Thanks. I appreciate the experience. I can just see adjusting the valve lash with solid lifters.
It sounds like going with 1.5 will give the bump I am looking for. I would try 1.6 if they do not interfere with easy installation. I wonder if it would be worth it.
The engine is still breaking in also. At 9000 miles, it is still new for a rebuild. No leaks, it only smokes at first start up, 1 qt at 3000 miles. It does have a shudder at idle when not under a load, and backing up. My wife is the principle driver of this rig and she does not really have the knack of the accelerator yet.
I think the shudder might be from a worn rocker. The original rockers were put back in at the rebuild. That shudder makes me nuts! I have tried the carb, adjusting timing, tweaking this, that.
It is an EGR Edelbrock and I contacted the company. They told me that dead start with the idle jets was 2.5 turns from bottom. They were 1 turn off their own instructions. I have to set timing by ear and hesitation. It is 4 degrees BDC and I have to time it a little hotter. Probably the cam.
I do like things perfect.